They come from the streets, the parks, the back alleys, abandoned inside a house when the owners move, left tied out in the yard, cold hungry with no water, they are taken to the pound when their owners marriage breaks up and no one wants them, they are abandoned when a new baby joins the family, OR they have outgrown their ‘cuteness’. They are the young, the old, the in between, some spayed, some in tact, some so thin you can see every bone in their body, and some so over weight they can hardly move.
These are the rescue dobes, the throw away dobes, the dobes that would give their life for their owners, but are cast away with never a second thought. These are the faithful friends who ask nothing more than warmth, comfort, love and the opportunity to please you, their human.
The people who do Dobe Rescue come from all walks of life, and their passion is the breed. Strictly on a volunteer basis, using their own monies for the medical emergencies that may come up, from dealing with heartworm, to amputation to the neutering and spaying of a Dobe. Digging deep into their own resources in order to give a new beginning to a Dobe in need. No Dobe is allowed to leave rescue intact, this guarantees there will not be another unwanted litter ending up in
rescue because they cant be placed in a loving home.
Sometimes a Dobe is so traumatized it is necessary to make a decision on whether the dog is adoptable or not, and if, for some reason, there is aggression towards adults, children and sometimes other dogs, then that final decision has to be made. The Rescurer will go with that Dobe on the final journey, because this dog has become part of the life and heart of the Rescurer, and it is their responsibility to have the dog ‘put down’.
There are no guarantees on health issues, a most particularly with a rescue Dobe, but the love that is given by these dogs far out weighs most of the minor medical issues. However, if the medical problems are major and needing weeks, or months of treatment, once again the Rescurer has to play ‘god’ and make the decision to terminate the Dobe.
So often we hear that two dogs were bred because the family wanted to 1) have a puppy because their female was so beautiful. 2) it would be a good learning experience for the kids, and worst of all 3) its a way to make some extra cash. None of these are valid reasons, and do not improve the breed. Unfortunately they DO add to the rescue population.
The reasons Dobe are sent to rescue range from, ‘We are moving out of State…..’ to ‘ We have a new baby and no time……’ Each Rescue group has an adoption application they require you to fill out and an adoption fee, which doesn’t come any where near covering general spaying or neutering, let alone other medical problems, if there are any. A home visit is required and the requirements for adoption are very stringent. A Rescurer wants to be sure this Dobe will be in a ‘forever’ home, this time.
As with a puppy, it is important to take your rescue Dobe to formal obedience classes, this helps, not only in the bonding process, but gives the new owner a better idea on how much stress their new family member can handle, and helps with general socializing.
When applying to a rescue group a packet of information is often times handed out. However, there are those who do rescue that rely upon a question and answer session, after the adoptee has filled out an application form. What ever route the adoption people take, it is never easy, and you should be prepared to answer all the questions asked honestly. The Rescue people have a strong net work, and when in doubt they will call upon fellow Rescurers to ‘check’ out a name. After all the paper work is complete, references checked and a phone conversation had with the prospective parent, a home check is done. The standards for the home are high, and usually anyone without a fenced area is rejected, not for ever, but until suitable fence has been built.
Rescurers tend to feel that the dobe they have under their care is very much a part of their own dogs. They will take a Dobe back, if for some reason it is not working out, they will make that ‘final’ decision for you if it is needed and they will sit and hold you and your Dobe when the injection is administered. Like a Breeder, a Rescue person has put a great deal of heart and love into the so called ‘throw away’ pup. and they are forever connected to this Doberman.
RESCUE ME……
Rescue me not only with your hands, but with your heart as well I will respond to you.
Rescue me not out of pity, but out of love.
I will love you back.
Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion.
I will learn what you teach.
Rescue me not because of my past, but because of my future.
I will relax and enjoy.
Rescue me not simply to save me, but to give me a new life.
I will appreciate your gift.
Rescue me not only with a firm hand, but with tolerance and patience.
I will please you
Rescue me not only because of who I am, but who I’m to become.
I will grow and mature.
Rescue me not to revere yourself to others, but because you want me.
I will never let you down.
Rescue me not with a hidden agenda, but with a desire to teach me.
I will be loyal and true.
Rescue me not to be chained or to fight, but to be your companion.
I will stand by your side.
Rescue me not to replace one you’ve lost, but to sooth your spirit.
I will cherish you.
Rescue me not to be your pet, but to be your friend.
I will give you unconditional love
Author Unknown.
from the desk of Rose Anne Fierro
submitted by
Ceilidh Campbell
DPCA Public Education Committee